Squamosa's Kiwi Ida Chasing G1 Success

Media Release - Friday February 7

Dreams are free!

That's Karen Parson's response to any suggestion she could land a Group One double with Kiwi Ida and Camino Rocoso at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Kiwi Ida is the flagberarer for Sun Stud's Squamosa"It's more likely we'll head home with our tail between our legs," the North Canterbury trainer quipped.

Whatever happens at Te Rapa, Parsons can return home with her head held high.

Kiwi Ida has done the stable proud with wins in the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni and Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie in her last two starts, while Camino Rocoso was a last-start winner of the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m).

That stream of success combined with the stables's stakes-winning treble at Wingatui last Saturday has led to a stream of media calls this week.

"Usually we fly under the radar. It's a bit of a worry," said Parsons, who trains in partnership with her husband John.

Kiwi Ida's is the TAB's $9.50 third favourite for Saturday's Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) behind Te Akau Shark at $1.70 and Avantage at $2.70 as the Squamosa five-year-old mare shoots for her fourth straight win and 15th of her career.

"She's come through her Ellerslie win really well," said Parsons, who has Kiwi Ida stabled with Sue Broughton at Mystery Creek.

"She's thrived here. It's a home away from home for her. There's a track here and we take her for gallops at Te Awamutu."

The Parsons are looking for their second win in the Group One sprint after Final Touch in 2013.

"She's a completely different horse to the old girl. They are both great competitors but Final Touch had quite a bit of character to her. That's probably the kindest way of putting it," Parsons said.

"Kiwi Ida is just a doodle. She's like a pet. You could keep her in your back pocket if you wanted. She's just lovely to do anything with."

But how will she go?

"No predictions. We're just hoping," Parsons said.

Camino Rocoso returned to Balcairn after his Trentham win and floated north earlier this week, arriving in terrific order for the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m).

"He's really bright. He's going into this race in terrific order," Parsons said.

"We won't be doing anything too technical with him on Saturday but he'll make sure the race is run at a solid pace."

TAB bookmakers have shortened Camino Rocoso from $21 to $16 for the Herbie Dyke Stakes in a market headed by Sydney raider Luvaluva at $3.60. Next in betting are Rock On Wood and Beauden at $4.40 and True Enough at $4.60.

Camino Rocoso is among a string of former North Island gallopers who have reignited their careers under the beach training regime of the Parsons.

"The change does them a world of good. It's a different lifestyle down with us."

Among others to have benefited from the shift south is Killarney, a winner of last Saturday's Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Stakes (1600m) at Wingatui and now a likely contender for the Gr.1 Haunui Farm WFA Group One Classic (1600m) at Otaki on February 22.

The Parsons also have 10 runners engaged for Riccarton on Saturday: Sister Monica, Shezatoucha, Quintuple Twins, Perfidia, Final Savings, Pippi Rea, Johnny Jones, All Black Magic, Rainman and Sure Is. - NZ Racing Desk

 

 

Advertisment
More Reading...
2024 Melbourne Cup Result - It's Knights Choice
The 2024 Melbourne Cup has been run and won with Knight’s Choice, a five-year-old gelding by Extreme Choice victorious.
Gavelhouse Bargain Buy Ready for Stakes Class
An online purchase over COVID-19 lockdown is proving fruitful for a group of Otago mates.
Darley Announce European Fees 2025
Darley have announced fees on their roster off 22 sires standing in the UK, Ireland and France with Dubawi heading the list at a fee of £350,000 for the third year in a row.
Kiwi Family Leaving Lasting Legacy
Hi Yo Legacy is the latest success story for Kim Reid out of her family’s late broodmare Hi Yo Wassup, with the five-year-old producing an impressive victory on debut at New Plymouth on Wednesday.
Late Bloomer Way To The Stars Claims the Century Stakes
Way To The Stars ran up to his third behind I Am Me and Bella Nipotina in the Group III Concorde Stakes at Randwick when opening his stakes account in the Listed Racing And Sports Century Stakes (1000m) down the straight at Flemington on Crown Oaks Day.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday November 6
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
$220,000 for Oscar Award Tops Inglis Digital November (Early) Online Sale
Oscar Award, the dam of G1 sprinter and Inglis Digital graduate Oscar’s Fortune has topped the Inglis Digital November (Early) Online Sale, with the daughter of Sebring purchased by Allam Racing in partnership with Kestrel Thoroughbreds for $220,000.
Aga Khan Studs Set Fees for 2025
Sea the Stars has had four stakes-winners in Australia this season and has had a fee increase at Aga Khan Studs for 2025.
One to Watch – Kyneton
Grahame Begg has had to be patient with the handsome sibling to Group I winner Written By and Group II winner C’Est Magique and he was rewarded at Kyneton on Wednesday when the lightly raced Written Tycoon colt raced to a stylish victory.
Oaks Pedigree Preview – Who is Bred to Stay?
The $1million Group I VRC Oaks (2500m) is the highlight at Flemington on Thursday and with all of the fillies on trial at the trip, pedigree can be a good indicator and in a field of 14 that features only two stakes-winners and no Group I winners, it could be a year for an upset result.